The Hungarian Chardash, performed by violinist Nir Sarussi, is part of the ‘All the World is a Stage’ project. Wysinfo initiated this project in order to encourage international cooperation through culture.
To watch other performances that are part of this project, follow this link
Wysinfo – ‘All the World is a Stage Project’ Front Page.
About Hungarian Chardash
The Hungarian Csárdás (chardash) is a traditional folk dance that has become one of Hungary’s most emblematic cultural expressions. Its history dates back to the 18th century, evolving from earlier Hungarian dances such as the verbunkos. The verbunkos combined slow, stately movements with fast, virtuosic sections, a structure later mirrored in the Csárdás.
The word “csárdás” comes from “csárda,” meaning a roadside inn or tavern, where the dance was often performed. By the 19th century, the Csárdás had become widely popular in rural Hungary and spread into urban centers, eventually becoming stylized in the concert and theatrical traditions.
Márk Rózsavölgyi, former name Mordecai Rosenthal (1787–1848) was a musician that played an important role in the development of the chardash as a distinct musical form.
The Csárdás gained international recognition through its inclusion in classical music. Composers like Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms, and Zoltán Kodály incorporated Csárdás themes into their works
About the author of the music in this Video
Vittorio Monti (1868–1922) was an Italian composer, violinist, and conductor, best known for his famous piece Csárdás (Czardas), composed around 1904. This virtuosic work, inspired by Hungarian folk music, remains a popular showcase for violinists and other instrumentalists worldwide.
About the performers
Violinist Nir Sarussi was born in Afula, Israel, and began studying the violin at the age of 9. Already in his early years, he was considered a gifted musician with highly developed musical abilities. Nir is a graduate of the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem and holds a music teaching certificate from the Hebrew University. He specializes in various musical styles, including: Balkan, Gypsy, Irish, classical, country, ethnic, Hasidic, Jewish Klezmer and more.
In the videos Nir is accompanied by by two talented musicians: Matan Mizrahi, playing accordion, and Anatoly Magdalinskiy on the drums.
About the location
Tzion (Zion) Square is located at the intersection of Jaffa Road, Ben Yehuda Street, Herbert Samuel Street, and Yoel Moshe Salomon Street. The square was named for the Zion Cinema, which was the first cinema in Jerusalem.
The cinema, which screened silent movies, was built in 1912. It was actually a huge shed that contained some 400 seats. In 1920 it collapsed under a heavy snowfall in the city and was reconstructed as a 600-seat theater. Soon after, the square became a center of cultural activity. Street performances took place, and restaurants and coffee houses popped up.
Although the Zion cinema does not exist anymore, the cultural flavor and activity remained and in fact intensified. Today, the area is defined as a zone that is free of cars, containing shops, small hotels, museums, a music center, street performances, cafes and restaurants.
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